Council Enacts Animal Control Ordinance Changes By Mike Scott After months of discussion and public input, the Kahoka Board of Aldermen gave a third reading of the city’s animal control ordinance revisions. The new laws were enacted after the council voted 3-0 to give its final approval to the revisions. The new laws limit the

Council Enacts Animal Control Ordinance Changes

By Mike Scott

After months of discussion and public input, the Kahoka Board of Aldermen gave a third reading of the city’s animal control ordinance revisions. The new laws were enacted after the council voted 3-0 to give its final approval to the revisions. The new laws limit the number of animal allowed in a household, as well as making it a misdemeanor to allow to disturb the peace of others. The ordinance revision impose hefty fines for several violations, including having too many animals, not properly disposing of animal waste, and not providing adequate shelter and food for the animals. Several sections of the city’s earlier animal control ordinance were previously ruled unconstitutional. The board approved an engineering agreement with MECO Engineering of Hannibal to prepare the preliminary engineering work for the Downtown Enhancement Grant. In 2007, the city was awarded the grant totalling more than 120,000 to beautify its downtown area. Plans call for work to be done on the east and west sides of the square, as well as to the park. The board approved adding an additional T-1 line to expand the city’s internet service. The one line the city now has provides service for about 75 customers, and is at capacity. The previous service cost $813 per month, and the new service will cost $1300 per month. In other business, the council: --Discussed Clark County’s request for an increase in dispatch fees. “I can see that an increase is probably warranted,” said Jeff Wood, “but not a 33 percent increase.” --The council was told that the Smokebusters’ sidewalk grant for new sidewalks near Black Hawk had run out of money, and no work will be done. --Discussed the sale of the city’s lot on the north side of the square. --Rejected three bids for the fire department’s former equipment truck. --Approved building permits for the Clark Co. Commission, Clark Co. Farm Bureau Young Farmers, and Tony McKee. --Approved a liquor license application from Hiller’s Talk of the Town Restaurant. --Approved the purchase of a new computer for the Police Department, not to exceed $1550. --Approved the purchase of six pagers for the fire department --Discussed recent cable and internet service problems, and reported that an signal amplifier was being replaced.